The Importance of Being Earnest: A Wonderful example of Student-Directed Drama

Deputy Head (Co-Curricular) and Director of Drama, Dr Helen Brown reflects on the latest pupil-directed performance.

The Importance of Being Earnest is the lightest and frothiest of Wilde’s comedies: if Hamlet is a three-course meal, Earnest is a pistachio macaroon. Written in 1895, this brilliantly witty play marked the climax of Wilde’s career. Kate W’s (M, LVI) dazzling production, directed as part of her EPQ project, was full of humour and joie-de-vivre from the rise of the curtain to the famous final line.

The story begins in London, where Earnest and Algernon, two dashing chaps-about-town, are whiling away their leisure hours drinking, dining and making love to pretty women. However, Algernon then makes a shocking discovery – his dear friend Earnest is not Earnest at all, but Jack. He has changed his name to enable him to live a double life – Earnest is a sophisticated London bachelor, whilst Jack is a sober country gentleman. The situation deteriorates when Gwendolen, Jack’s intended, declares that she could only love a man named Earnest, declaring that it is a name that ‘produces vibrations.’

Jack and Algernon are brilliantly played by Ed P (R, LVI) and Dom I-J (Ch, UVI), whilst Eva G (G, LVI) gives a superbly sassy performance as Gwendolen. The first act is stolen, however, by Laurie M’s (Rb, LVI) virtuoso turn as Gwendolen’s mother Lady Bracknell – part Maggie Smith, part pantomime dame. Her famous line, ‘a handbag?’ delivered with full vibrato, brought the house down every night.

The action shifts to Jack’s country house for Act 2; in a brilliant piece of staging, the set turned like a page from a book and the monochrome chic of the city exploded into colour. Jack arrives home to discover that Algernon has got there before him, and is already smitten by his ‘excessively pretty’ ward, Cecily, charmingly played by director Kate W. To add to the confusion, Algernon has introduced himself as Jack’s wicked brother Earnest – so when Gwendolen appears, looking for her Earnest, the plot thickens.

This is truly an ensemble piece, with every member of the company responsible for the play’s pace and humour. It is testament to the skills of Rufus T (Rb, IV), Eleanor K (MSH, LVI) and Harry W (Rb, LVI) that the cameo roles of Miss Prism, Chasuble and Merriman were delivered with such wit and sparkle.

This was a wonderful example of student directed drama; the cast and crew had clearly had enormous fun producing it, and their enjoyment was infectious. This was a truly uplifting night at the theatre to brighten the dark days of January!

Dr Helen Brown

Director of Drama